If we try to choose the most important relationship for a human being, it would be the relationship between a mother and child. This relationship not only influences our existence but also inspires our arts and culture. Our films are also not untouched by that, and the character of a mother became an essential part of our cinamatic narrative. And as art reflects society, the film mother remains an extension of our real-life mother, ever-sacrificing and naive. We have made a mould for Filmi Mother as early as the cinema goes. And we always keep searching for the actors who can fit that mould. We had Durga Khote, Niroopa Roy, Sulochana Latkar, Achala Sachdev, Nutan, Rakhi, and Reema Lagoo.
Every actress who played the quintissential mother gave something special to the character and tried to break the mould. The biggest blow to the mould came in Mother India when the Nargis killed her own son, played by Sunil Dutt. The second came years later, when Reema Lagoo killed her son, played by Sanjay Dutt, in Vastav.
Early Life
Reema Lagoo was born as “Nayan Bhadbhade” on June 21, 1958, in Bombay. Her mother was Mandakini Bhadbhade, a well-known Marathi stage and film actress. Reema made her film debut as a child artist in Marathi films like Haa Mazha Marg Eklaa (1963) and Durga Khote‘s Masterji (1964). She gets her early education from H.H.C.P. High School, Pune, before graduating from Wilson College, Mumbai.
Debut and Early Career
Reema Lagoo started her acting career as an adult with Marathi theatre, which laid the foundation for her nuanced performances. Her stage work included P. L. Deshpande’s play, “Ti Phularani.”
Her film debut came in 1979 with the Marathi film “Sinhasan,” followed by Javayachi Jaat (1979), Aapli Manse (1979), Darodekhor (1980), Are Sansar Sansar (1981), Nanad Bhavjay (1981), Jay Tuljha Bhavni (1981), and Chatpati (1983).
In 1981, Reema played a Tamasha dancer in Govind Nihalani‘s “Aakrosh.” The song “Tu Aisa Kaisa Mard” was picturized on her. She was cast opposite Kulbhushan Kharbanda in Shyam Benegal‘s Kalyug (1981). She also appeared in Hindi and Marathi films like Chatpati (1983), Nasoor (1985), Mazhe Ghar Mazha Sansar (1986), Antarpat (1987), and many more. Reema made her TV debut with Shodh (1984), which was followed by serials like Khandaan (1985) and Mahanagar (1988).
Reema Lagoo – The Mother
In 1988, Reema played the mother of Juhi Chawla in Mansoor Khan’s “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.” The film brought her national recognition. The same year, she acted in Aruna Raje’s “Rihaee,” where she took on a more controversial role. The film was on the subject of women’s liberation and infidelity in a rural setting.
Next, she played the mother of Salman Khan in “Maine Pyar Kiya,” despite being only 7 years older than him. The superb portrayal earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. From the role, Lagoo became synonymous with the compassionate and understanding mother, a trope she redefined for modern Indian cinema. Her second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress came for her role in Mahesh Bhatt’s “Ashiqui,” where she played Rahul Roy’s mother.
The Star Mother
The 1990s saw Lagoo at the peak of her career, with roles in blockbusters like “Pratibandh,” “Henna,” “Saajan,” “Patthar Ke Phool,” “Shola Aur Shabnam,” “Qaid Mein Hai Bulbul,” “Nishchaiy,” “Sapne Sajan Ke,” “Shreemaan Aashique,” “Prem Deewane,” and many more.
Reema played the mother of Sridevi’s character in Mahesh Bhatt’s Gumrah (1993). She followed by “Ye Dillagi (1993),” “Dilwale (1994),” and “Zamane Se Kya Darna (1994).”
In 1994, she starred in Sooraj Barjatya’s “Hum Aapke Hain Koun!” as Madhuri‘s mother. For the role, she gets for her third nomination for Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. The success of the film established her as a go-to actress for a mother’s role. Some of her notable films include Vijaypath (1994), Rangeela (1995), Papa Kehte Hai (1996), Prem Granth (1996), Judwaa (1997), Yes Boss (1997), Betaabi (1997), Deewana Mastana (1997), Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998), Aunty No. 1 (1998), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate (1998), Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999), Aarzoo (1999), and many more.
Later Career
In ‘Vaastav,’ she played the mother of Sanjay Dutt’s character, a role that won her critical acclaim and a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of these characters brought a new dimension to the archetype of the Indian mother.
Lagoo’s television career was equally illustrious. She starred in the hit sitcom Shriman Shrimati and the popular family drama Tu Tu Main Main, where her comedic timing and on-screen presence were widely appreciated. She has also done serials like Kirdaar (1993), Aasmaan Se Aagay (1994), Do Aur Do Paanch (1997), Dhadkan (2002), Kadvee Khattee Meethi (2006), and many more.
Some of her other notable films include Dillagi (1999), Deewane (2000), Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai (2000), Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye (2000), Hathyar (2002), Reshamgaath (2002), which earned her the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003), Chupke Se (2003), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Aai Shappath (2006), Shubh Mangal Savdhan (2006), Savalee (2007), Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy (2009), Agnidivya (2009), Aamras Indumati (2009), Gho Mala Asala Hawa (2009), Anumati Ambu (2013), Ungli (2014), I Love NY (2015), and many
Later Life and Demise
She married actor Vivek Lagoo in 1978 and adopted the name Reema Lagoo.The couple later separated. She has a daughter, Mrunmayee Lagoo, who is also an actress.
On May 18, 2017, the film and television industry lost Reema Lagoo to a cardiac arrest.
Reema Lagoo on IMDB
